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This will be the seventh post in our series on astrological magic. Since we’ve already talked about how the planets and parts should be placed, we are ready to discuss some of the theoretical basis for creating images which draw the power of the celestial bodies for specific purposes. Here you will learn a little about images, their function, and how they are made. Since the theory behind making effective images is very extensive, I will probably make more posts with information about it in the future. Keep in mind that although this post contains vital information for the art of astrological magic, you’ll probably have very limited success if this post is the only source you derive your methods from. Make sure to be safe, and feel free to ask us if you have any questions.

Making effective and practical images which conduct the power of the heavens is a particularly important skill to have if you want your magic to be effective. To successfully do this, you’ll need to understand that everything made at a given time permanently takes on some of the properties of the heavens above it at that time. For that reason, when you’re making an image with the intention of conducting the power of specific celestial bodies, it’s important that you know about some of the symbols and images which are associated with the bodies whose power you’re using.

There are many types of images, and they can be based on any type of heavenly or earthly source, depending on their purpose. It’s possible to create an image for any purpose you could ever need. You should get to know some of the more basic images and what they can do if you want an idea of the connection between symbol and function. In the next post, I plan to go over some of the more basic images, such as those of the zodiac signs, their functions, and how they can be used. In this post, I will address some kinds of images which aren’t of the zodiac (some of which are heavenly, and others of which are derived from other sources).

Aside from the stars directly concerned with the zodiac and its workings, there are many other constellations and images in the sky, each with its own symbolism and mythological background. For example, Canis Major (the Dog) is good for casting images to help protect a person or place from plagues or epidemics, edema, and vicious animals. Another example is the constellation called Serpentarius (the Snake), which is good for curing poisons and snake bites (or other venemous bites). I’m certain that you could find an effective use for any constellation you wish, if you look for one which suits your purposes. Just keep in mind the particular image the constellation represents (for example, Pegasus pertains to horses, and this is obvious because its image is a winged horse), and if it represents a particular mythological figure with a story behind it, research the figure to learn more about its potential (for example, Hercules is a constellation, and he has a long mythological story which can help provide insight into many of the ways his constellation can be used).

There are also images which aren’t derived from anything in the heavens. These are perfectly effective in their own right, and I will briefly discuss their use here. Images of this kind include things like effigies. You could make an image in the likeness of two people you dislike fighting each other, for example. You could also make an image which looks like a mangled or maimed version of a person or thing which you want to see destroyed or suffering. Just remember that if your image represents a living thing, your desired effect should be written on its belly if your intentions are benevolent, or its back if your intentions are malevolent. Make sure the species of the thing the image depicts is written on its forehead (this particular concept of labeling is mentioned twice in Revelation, and probably in numerous other religious or biblical texts). On the chest of your image, you should write the name of the ascendant at the time of your casting the image, as well as its ruling planet and the angels (or other appropriate spirits, if you’d rather not deal with angels) who rule over it (and their seals or characters). These images are then treated accordingly.

After its creation, what should be done with an image depends on the purpose. They can be left hanging from a relevant place, or worn on the body somewhere, or buried. In the past, British folk magicians and witches would hang many different kinds of charms in their chimneys, some for positive effects or protection, and others for harming people (there is some debate as to why they decided to hang the charms there). They can he hanged from a tree to be exposed to the wind, while hanging them upside-down has different effects than hanging them normally. Sometimes these images are boiled in water. And of course, the best-known treatment (which is still practiced widely, even by people who don’t consider themselves magic users at all) is to burn the effigy in a fire, such as the British do every November. What you do with an image you’ve made, combined with the intent and emotion you put into your work continue to affect this particular kind of image and its subject as long as you continue to interact with it.

Even in the practices of making images that aren’t directly based on zodiacal imagery, it’s useful to use elective astrology in advance to decide on a good time to cast them and carry out your will on them. Some ancient Arabic astrologers actually claim it’s possible to actually infuse images you’ve created with a soul comparable in magnitude to that of a living thing if you properly perform these practices. Most historical astrological magicians I’ve researched seem to agree that images from the zodiac are usually far more powerful than other types of magical images, and are definitely capable of greater things than words are. They also, however, recommend that you use a prayer or clearly worded petition which asks for the thing you’re seeking. If you can refer to the specific astrological conditions which are present at the time, and to their effects which can help you, you should certainly make sure to do that in your prayer.

There are images for the fixed stars, too. These vary depending on the source of information, but I will explain the images the Hermetics tend to use for them. Here is an extensive post which details the materials and other things ruled over by the fixed stars (as well as the signs and planets). Below are some of the images of the fixed stars, along with their uses.

Algol’s image is a man’s head with a bloody neck. This image is useful for making a person more bold or noble. It can help protect from injury, and ward off malicious magic and witchcraft.

Pleiades has the image of a lamp or a virgin. These images can help you see at night, bring multiple spirits to a place, make the wind blow, and make hidden things seen.

Aldebaran has the image of a man flying, which some sources also say is the likeness of God. This image is useful for gaining wealth and social status.

Capella’s image is a man ready to play a musical instrument or dance. It’s useful to carry with you if you want to be respected and accepted by people in positions of power, and it can also be used to alleviate toothaches.

Sirius’s image is a virgin with her dog. This image brings kind intentions from others, and can put you in the favor of the aerial spirits (such as those in Ars Theurgia Goetia). It can also help you to calm people who are angry, including people in positions of power or authority.

Procyon’s image is a rooster, or alternately of three maids. It’s a useful image for gaining the favor of divine beings, spirits, and people. It also helps protect from witchcraft and health problems.

Regulus’s image can be a lion, cat, or a person deserving of respect sitting in a chair. It makes people more agreeable and reduces anger.

Alkaid’s image is a man in deep thought, or a bull or calf. It can protect a person from malicious magic, and helps safe travel.

Gienah’s image is a raven, a snake, or a black man (or perhaps a man of any ethnicity who has dark hair) in black clothes. It can make a person ambitious and charismatic. It can also cause wet dreams. It can help you get rid of malicious spirits, or draw them in. It’s also helpful protection against people who intend harm, and wind.

Spica’s image is a bird or a merchant carrying lots of wares. It can help you gain money and abundance, and protects against ill will and petty mischief.

Arcturus’s image is of a horse, wolf, or dancing man. It can help reduce fevers and promote blood health.

Alphecca’s image is a hen, or of a man wearing a crown. It can help you be pure and loved by other people.

Antares’s image is a man-at-arms in chain mail, or a scorpion. It can help you remember and comprehend things well. It helps you have a healthy complexion. It can also help you repel or control evil spirits.

Vega’s image is a vulture, hen, or traveler. It can help you be charitable and have good self-esteem. It gives you some control over demons and animals.

Delta Capricorni (also called Deneb Algedi) has the image of a goat or male deer, or an angry man. It can help you gain wealth or success, and can make people angrier.

I hope this has given you some understanding of magical images and how they work. I’ll be continuing this series soon, hopefully explaining a few more images, and then talking about things which are ruled by each of the planets, signs, and fixed stars.

-Admin